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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Zambia

Dry Season Attire May-Nov

Daytime: Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton and linen. Quick-dry travel pants and short-sleeved shirts are ideal for the cool dry season. For the hot dry season, choose lighter materials and looser fits to manage heat.

Evening/Morning Cool Dry

Wet Season Attire Dec-Apr

Pack lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing. Shorts, t-shirts, and light dresses are suitable for warm, humid days.

Rain Protection

  • A lightweight Rain jacket or compact Poncho.
  • Choose one that easily fits into a Daypack.
  • Cultural Dress: Women avoiding overly revealing clothing shows respect.

Footwear & Activity-Specific Attire

City Exploration Footwear

Comfortable Walking shoes or Sneakers are needed for varying surfaces like dirt paths and uneven sidewalks.

Avoid high heels for extensive walking.

Seasonal & Casual Footwear

Sandals or open-toed shoes are useful for warmer days and evenings. Bring waterproof shoes or sandals during the wet season for muddy conditions.

Waterproof options for rain and mud.

Activity Specifics

Business Meetings: Smart casual to business attire. A blazer or dress shirt is appropriate. Wildlife Viewing (Lusaka National Park): Neutral colors (khaki, brown, green) are recommended.

Avoid bright colors for wildlife viewing.

Essential Documents

Important Travel Papers

Having the correct documents before your trip is important for a smooth entry and stay.

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages).
  • Zambia visa (e-visa printout or physical stamp) or KAZA Uni-Visa.
  • Photocopies of passport and visa, kept separate.
  • Digital copies on cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox) or emailed.
  • Original Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
  • International Driving Permit (if driving).
  • Printed/digital flight, hotel, and tour confirmations.
  • Emergency contact details (embassy, family, insurance).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Keeping your devices powered and staying connected is important for your travel experience.

Essentials

  • Power Adapter: Type G (UK standard) is most common. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is suggested.
  • Mobile Phone: GSM network prevails. Your Unlocked smartphone should function.
  • SIM cards are available at KKIA or malls; MTN & Airtel offer good coverage. Passport needed for registration.

Photography & Apps

Capture your memories and navigate the city with ease.

Travel Tools

  • Camera Gear: A good quality camera captures cityscapes and market scenes. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A Dust-proof camera bag is advisable. Always ask permission before photographing people.
  • Portable Chargers: A Power bank helps keep devices charged during outages.
  • Apps: Google Maps (offline maps), Bolt/Uber for rides, Google Translate (offline Nyanja/Bemba packs), WhatsApp for communication.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and copies of important documents.

Physical Backups

Consider an External hard drive or USB drive for additional backups of photos or large files.

Digital Document Access

Email copies of essential documents to yourself for easy access in case of loss.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked first aid kit and personal medications are important for a healthy trip.

Kit Contents

Prescription & Hygiene

Ensure you have all necessary personal health items.

Personal Care

  • Prescription Medications: Sufficient supply in original labeled containers, with a doctor's note for customs.
  • Personal Hygiene: Specific brands of toiletries you prefer. Hand sanitizer is a must-have.
  • Malaria RDT: If advised by doctor, for quick self-diagnosis and emergency treatment.

Altitude, Motion Sickness & Protection

Altitude & Motion Sickness

  • Lusaka's altitude (1,279m) is generally not high enough for altitude sickness.
  • Consider Motion sickness medication for potentially bumpy or winding roads outside the city.
  • Over-the-counter medications for common issues like cold, flu, indigestion.

Insect & Sun Protection

Activity-Specific Equipment

General Sightseeing

For city exploration, a comfortable daypack is essential to carry your daily items.

  • Daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen.
  • Camera for cityscapes.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Light layers for varying temperatures.

Hiking/Walking Trails

If exploring trails outside the city, like Lusaka National Park, specific footwear is recommended.

  • Sturdy Hiking shoes.
  • Good ankle support for uneven terrain.
  • Moisture-wicking Socks to prevent blisters.
  • Light, breathable clothing.

Wildlife Viewing

For visits to Lusaka National Park or Chaminuka, a camera with a zoom lens is beneficial.

  • Binoculars for spotting distant animals.
  • Camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography.
  • Neutral colored clothing (khaki, brown, green).
  • Personal items are best brought from home.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Bringing Equipment

  • General items like walking shoes or daypacks are better brought for comfort and fit.
  • Personal items like binoculars are best brought if you own them.
  • Ensures familiar quality and reliability.
  • Avoids potential rental costs or availability issues.

Renting Equipment

  • Specialized safari gear may be rentable from tour operators for trips beyond Lusaka.
  • May be a suitable option for single-use items or bulkier gear.
  • Consider for items that are difficult to transport.
  • Check rental terms and condition before committing.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These items contribute to comfort, security, and convenience throughout your journey.

Travel Comfort

Reusable & Local Items

Support sustainability and prepare for local conditions.

Smart Choices

Hard-to-Find Local Items

High-Quality Sunscreens

Specific brands or high SPF may be limited.

Strong Insect Repellents

Those with high DEET concentration are harder to find.

Certain Prescriptions

Specialized prescription medications may not be available.

Specific Batteries

Uncommon battery types for cameras or other electronics.

Security Items

Digital Security

Physical Security

  • A Money belt or neck wallet keeps cash and cards secure.
  • A Small padlock for luggage or hostel lockers.
  • Lock car doors and keep windows up, especially in traffic.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack gear relevant to your planned activities. For general sightseeing, a comfortable daypack is sufficient. For hiking, sturdy shoes are a good choice. For wildlife viewing, binoculars are useful.

Consider bringing personal items from home for comfort and familiarity, rather than relying on local rentals unless absolutely necessary.